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FIELDING
Nobody was worse at fielding in 2013 than Colorado, according
to Baseball Prospectus’ Defensive Efficiency Ratings, where only .686
batted balls in play were turned into outs. The infield is solid, with third
baseman Nolan Arenado grading out very well, alongside shortstop
Tulowitzki and LeMahieu, who are solid. But collectively, as a nineman
unit, Colorado just doesn’t put it together for 162 games, which
may be due more so to injuries than lack of fielding ability. Last year’s
position players played anywhere from 109 to 133 games. If regulars are
constantly missing 30 to 50-something games a year, the fielding will
suffer, among other things.
STARTING PITCHING
Believe it or not, you may see good pitching in Colorado. Will it
translate to the mainstream stats that everybody sees touched up because
of the Coors Field hitters-park advantage? Probably not, but if Jorge
De La Rosa (16-6, 3.49 ERA), Jhoulys Chacin (14-10, 3.47) and Tyler
Chatwood (8-5, 3.15) can repeat their 2013 performances, then it’s not
too far-fetched to see 26-year-old free-agent acquisition Brett Anderson
finish the job, if he returns to his younger 20-something pitching form
(26-29 career record with 3.81 ERA). Imagine what could happen—even
with questionable fifth-starter pitching—if Colorado holds opponents to
something close to four runs per game.
RELIEF PITCHING
Right-handed reliever and free-agent pickup LaTroy Hawkins (13
saves, 2.93 ERA and 1.146 WHIP with the Mets) will get first shot to save
games, but lefty Rex Brothers is there too, after a fine season of assuming
Colorado’s closing role in 2013 (19 saves, 1.74 ERA, 1.292 WHIP). Last
year’s bullpen blew 18 of 53 save opportunities, and it would not be
surprising to see the 2014 squad repeat that feat. Adam Ottavino, who did
improve last season, and Yankee acquisition Boone Logan are the only
setup men likely to come through for the team.
MANAGING
Dan O’Dowd, the Rockies only GM in the 21st Century, will see
improvement in his team, if only his players can stay healthy. If Morneau,
Anderson and Hawkins pan out, Manager Walt Weiss’ job becomes that
much easier. The continuity is in place. You don’t often see that in losing
programs. If the Rockies can stay healthy, Weiss won’t have to juggle
his lineups again and will finally be able to develop his talent internally.
Then again, if the injury-prone players get hurt again, somebody’s got to
make a call and ship some players out.
Jorge De La Rosa
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